Neoteric Verve

I was told by a "trainer" that when a contestant doesn't lose adequate weight for any given week they're extended time. Yep, the contestant is given up to 3-4 weeks to lose the weight you see them lose in the ONE week. Then the producers just say it was one week. That's how and why they seem to have incredible weight loss in such a short time. Plus the time between the announcement of the finale and the finale itself is around 2 months. So no, these people aren't losing 80, 90 or 100+ pounds in 12 weeks. That could make people feel that they aren't trying hard enough. But the reality is that television isn't patient enough to wait for nature. They give a perception that somehow, someway that Jillian and Bob are magic makers that can transform anyone in 12 weeks. Maybe y'all already knew this. I don't know. Just wanted to share. Source: Biggest Loser Secret

I was told by a "trainer" that when a contestant doesn't lose adequate weight for any given week they're extended time. Yep, the contestant is given up to 3-4 weeks to lose the weight you see them lose in the ONE week. Then the producers just say it was one week. That's how and why they seem to have incredible weight loss in such a short time. Plus the time between the announcement of the finale and the finale itself is around 2 months. So no, these people aren't losing 80, 90 or 100+ pounds in 12 weeks. That could make people feel that they aren't trying hard enough. But the reality is that television isn't patient enough to wait for nature. They give a perception that somehow, someway that Jillian and Bob are magic makers that can transform anyone in 12 weeks. Maybe y'all already knew this. I don't know. Just wanted to share.

My S.O. said I should include weight loss since pre-op (I started at 440lb) but as evident from my tracker I'm only going from post-surgery (431lb). This morning, I weighed in at 414lb. I am on puree at least I can have them. But I've been mostly full liquid. I try to get in a couple of protein shakes but on puree I have eaten, albeit very tiny portions and slooooooooowly, bean dip (no chips).

I first BURNED my BMI charts. After that I reflected on my past weights and realized that it is, was and will be my bodyfat percentage that I'll use to gauge my body composition. With that being said, I figured that I want to be in the 10-15% bodyfat range. from that I determined how feasible it is to be at certain weights. I went from 260lb and worked down to around 210lb. Now I know that at my height of 6'3" that "for me" that I'd feel too damn thin at 210lb but who knows. My current goal is to hit 260lb and re-assess my body at that point. If I could be definitively at a size I'd want to be 230lb at 12%bf.

That is damn impressive!!!!!! Great job there!

Coops are you really 1 stone from goal?!?!?! AWESOME!!!

The sleeve is a programmable tool. It'll work when you want and you can also eat around it when you don't. I just can't imagine why anyone would do that though... I was told that your main goal is to remain hydrated the first couple of weeks. Of course get the nutrients down but hydration is very key. Best of luck to you and that Sleeve of yours!!

ME!!! Last night at dinner I had well over 20oz of fluids in less than an hour. I thought the threshold was around 4 as well. I guess that is the capacity but fluids tend to "run" through the gut while solids sit there and give you that full feeling longer. I am 6 days post-op and feel good. Very good. No pain from surgery at all.

I'm in Las Vegas and attended a seminar. I was sleeved on Sept 23rd. There were around 30-40 people there.

CT those sound like a godsend!!! Where can I get those?? The Store, any store?!?!?!? BRB....

Here's an article I found on caffeine withdrawal. Beware the perils of caffeine withdrawal Susan Todd loves her daily coffee fix. "I can drink four or five cups, easily,comfortably," said Todd, 59, of Clinton Township, Michigan. But if she skips her regular dose of caffeine, Todd warned, watch out. "I feel lousy all over. It's not that anything hurts," she explained. "I just feel sluggish, and a cup of caffeine will cure that." Todd is among the estimated 80 to 90 percent of North American adults and children who consume caffeine products every day. Experts estimate about half that number will experience headaches and other symptoms from caffeine withdrawal syndrome. There are a numberof reasons why someone might need to reduce or stop their daily caffeine intake.Experts tell pregnant women not to consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeinea day (about one 12-ounce cup of coffee). Caffeinated products are notrecommended for people who are prone to panic attacks or those who suffer fromanxiety. Some surgical patients may also experience the symptoms of caffeinewithdrawal syndrome on the day of surgery, because they are told not to eat ordrink anything. Researchers atJohns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, recognized the condition as adisorder five years ago after reviewing decades of studies. They concluded thehigher the caffeine intake, the more likely a patient was to suffer from severewithdrawal symptoms when denied the ingredient. Researchers also reported that some caffeine users considered themselves addicted to caffeine because they were unable to quit or cut down on their usage. Michael Kuhar,chief of the division of neuroscience at the Yerkes National Primate ResearchCenter at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, prefers to use the word"dependent" rather than "addicted." Even though he called caffeine a drug, Kuhar wouldn't go so far as saying it has reached the statusof cocaine or heroin. According toKuhar, caffeine is a mild stimulant. "If you take a cup of caffeine you'relikely to feel good and energized," he said. Miss that cup of"Joe" or can of cola and don't be surprised if you start feelingfunny, Kuhar warned. He said some people complain of "headache, fatigue,sleepiness, inability to focus and concentrate." Others report experiencing flu- like symptoms, irritability, depression and anxiety after skipping aslittle as one cup of coffee a day. Kuhar explainedthat caffeine blocks receptors in the brain that can dilate blood vesselscausing headaches. "Withdrawal symptoms can start from 12 to 20 hoursafter your last cup of coffee and peak about two days later and can last aboutas long as a week," Kuhar added. It is not justcoffee that can lead to caffeine withdrawal. While a 6-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains about 100 milligrams of caffeine, tea and cola have about 40milligrams each, a bar of milk chocolate has about 10 milligrams and hot chocolate has about 7 milligrams. Kuhar said that means adults as well as children may be suffering daily physiological and personality effects of caffeine withdrawal. He recommended that people who are motivated to give up caffeine, or cut back on consumption,do so very carefully. "The thing to do is what we do with so many drugs --basically you wean yourself off slowly," Kuhar suggested. "That doesn't mean it is going to be easy at every step, but it should be easier thangoing cold turkey." Johns Hopkinsresearchers also endorsed a stepped approach to quitting caffeine. Theyinstruct patients to gradually substitute decaffeinated products ornoncaffeinated products over time in order to reduce the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Kuhar suggested the process also can begin with reducing caffeine consumption by a half to a whole cup a day. Technology consultant ***** Spillane, 42, of St. Petersburg, Florida, started a step-down program after years of consuming up to three cups of coffee each day. He felthe was "drinking way too much caffeine." Spillane said heknew right away that he was suffering from caffeine withdrawal when he started getting severe headaches. His wife told him he was cranky most of the time. He now drinks tea instead, and occasionally sneaks a cup of coffee. Looking back, he was going through withdrawal was "tough for a while," but he's feeling better these days and he's glad he's not so dependent on caffeine. Source: Caffeine

OMG that sounds improbable!! What we sometimes don't realize is that it isn't WHAT we eat most of the time it's HOW we eat. That little amount of "junk" food isn't too bad. Three would be. As being only a few days removed from surgery, I can't imagine doing that. I can see how that can happen though. Take care of the sleeve and don't stretch it too much and you'll be fine!

Ever have one of those moments? You know, where you have a flashback from a happier time in your past? Yeah? Me too! In fact, I've been having them daily since my surgery. My perspectives have gotten much better. while I'm just starting out on this lifelong journey, I can already imagine the possibilities. I don't wish I did this sooner or anything. I did this right when I was supposed to. Hell, any sooner I would have a lap band or RnY. Neither an option for me. I envision a nice home, happy family, great career and being a great example for my children (when I do have them). Funny thing is: I've always had that vision. For as long as I can remember I've had that vision. It just seems a lot clearer now. The dream hasn't changed, but the route I thought I'd take has. I must say, everyone was right. With each passing day it does get progressively better!! I know it's only been a few days but I feel great! I'm sure every single day isn't going to be perfect (and I still have other life obstacles) but to get one MAJOR aspect of my life under control is very satisfying.

Ever have one of those moments? You know, where you have a flashback from a happier time in your past? Yeah? Me too! In fact, I've been having them daily since my surgery. My perspectives have gotten much better. while I'm just starting out on this lifelong journey, I can already imagine the possibilities. I don't wish I did this sooner or anything. I did this right when I was supposed to. Hell, any sooner I would have a lap band or RnY. Neither an option for me. I envision a nice home, happy family, great career and being a great example for my children (when I do have them). Funny thing is: I've always had that vision. For as long as I can remember I've had that vision. It just seems a lot clearer now. The dream hasn't changed, but the route I thought I'd take has. I must say, everyone was right. With each passing day it does get progressively better!! I know it's only been a few days but I feel great! I'm sure every single day isn't going to be perfect (and I still have other life obstacles) but to get one MAJOR aspect of my life under control is very satisfying. Source: I feel like time went backwards

See ya on the other side!! Best of luck to you and we're here for you.

Oh it got even better, CT. She made homemade spaghetti with pomodoro sauce. Was I repulsed? Not a lot but I didn't want any! I'm gonna try some broth today. I can feel some hunger kicking in. The jell-o was ok but I'm starting not to like a lot of sweets. Also, everyone in the Vegas valley. Dr Teng's support group is tonight at MountainView. I'm thinking of going and would love to see any of you there.

EacThanks everyone. Still slow moving around. The nausea seems to be gone but still sore. Had half a thingy of jell-o. Walked to my mailbox and back. I go back to see my surgeon (Dr Teng) on Wednesday. Yes, the first 36 hours post surgery I was dry heaving almost every minute. I'm certain it was the anesthesia. I kept reassuring myself this was the right move and over time I'd come to appreciate how right this all was. I really think I owe a deep gratitude to the members of VST. Your stories, kind words and encouragement put me on the road to a much better life. Each passing day I feel stronger. It really is nice over on the Loser's Bench. Dr Teng used the 32f bougie and the endostitch with hand stitch. I saw my new stomach during the leak test. It actually looks like a Cuban cigar! Albeit longer. Well I'm gonna walk and then rest. Chat with ya later.

You all are the best. Still a bit sore but time heals all wounds. I feel stronger daily. My SO made bacon for herself this morning. Normally a good smell but I found it quite repulsive. Been hanging in there with homemade lemonade and water. Heard a few stomach growls but they went away with the lemonade.

I'm still sore. At home resting now. Not hungry but sipping water to stay hydrated. Very weak and tired but walking around my place is ok. For now I have no desire to actually eat. Maybe I will soon. In pain but not enough to take that nasty liquid lortab. Gonna try sleeping some more. Talk to y'all later.

I was sleeved. Friday morning. I've been nauseous and vomiting. Perhaps due to the anesthesia. All I been wanting to do is rest. I'll chat more later.

In 3.5 hours the surgery begins. At 7:30 PST I undergo Laparascopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy to enhance, prolong, amplify and SAVE my life. Is there any wonder I have the song "Edge of Glory" by Lady GaGa in my head this morning? I have my phone, so as soon as I can I'll let y'all know how I am. Wish me luck. See ya on the "Loser's Bench".... Source: This is IT!!!!

In 3.5 hours the surgery begins. At 7:30 PST I undergo Laparascopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy to enhance, prolong, amplify and SAVE my life. Is there any wonder I have the song "Edge of Glory" by Lady GaGa in my head this morning? I have my phone, so as soon as I can I'll let y'all know how I am. Wish me luck. See ya on the "Loser's Bench"....

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Indeed you have. I have gone back and forth. Should I or shouldn't I? After much debate, I'm moving forward. Surgery is tomorrow. You will make the right choice for you. From my understanding the pre-op is the most difficult of the process. I wish you well and do right for your body. Sleeve or no Sleeve.

Thank you, favoredone. I'll keep you posted on things as they progress.